Trooper injured as high-speed chase ends with accident

March 14, 2012staff

EASLEY — An South Carolina Highway Patrol Officer is recovering at Greenville Memorial Hospitial after crashing his patrol car in pursuit of a motorcycle on Brushy Creek Road.
According to authorities, Lance Cpl. K.K. Bratcher was attempting to pull over a motorcycle for speeding along U.S. 153. The rider fled the scene and was chased by Bratcher at high speeds before the biker turned down Brushy Creek Road near the city limits of Easley.
Bratcher lost control of his cruiser and left the road, flipping the vehicle. The car then caught fire with Bratcher caught inside.
An Easley police officer headed toward the chase spotted Bratcher’s cruiser glowing from the fire as it sat down in a ravine. The officer reportedly tried to extinguish the fire, but discovered Bratcher’s foot was trapped in the wreckage. The officer then pulled Bratcher’s foot free and pulled him from the car just moments before the car was engulfed by flames.
Bratcher suffered two broken legs, burns and a broken wrist and is currently in intensive care.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office is on the lookout for a caucasian rider. They believe he was wearing a dark helmet and riding a dark-colored Ninja-type sports motorcycle. A reward is being offered by Crimestoppers for information leading to an arrest in the case. To contact Crimestoppers, call 1-888-CRIME-SC.